Pleasanton teen eliminated from 'American Idol'

New opportunities open in modeling, acting for teen

Maddy Hudson performed "Diamonds" by Rihanna for her "showcase" performance at the House of Blues. (Photo courtesy of American Idol)

Three weeks after her "American Idol" San Francisco audition, Pleasanton teen Maddy Hudson was cut Feb. 19 from the Fox TV singing competition after her House of Blues showcase performance.

During the "Showcase" round, the Top 48 contestants perform in front of a live audience, in hopes of advancing to the Top 24.

Hudson, who sang "Diamonds" by Rihanna, said her nerves got the best of her -- which the judges were able to notice.

"I think you just need a little bit of time to kind of get comfortable on stage," said judge Jennifer Lopez.

In a recent interview with the 17-year-old, she said she "completely understood" why the judges couldn't keep her.

"Based on talent, yes I should be there," Hudson said. "But based on performances, no."

After her January San Francisco audition, which impressed all three judges so much they gave her three "golden tickets" to Hollywood Week, Hudson moved on to an unaired solo round.

According to Hudson, it was a good performance that received good comments from each judge and advancing her to Hollywood Week's group round, where contestants put themselves in small groups and perform a song together.

The "Dream Team" had the youngest contestants and performed "I Want You Back" by Jackson 5 for the judges.

Hudson described her group's performance as "awful," adding that there was drama and the group's dynamic was off.

"It was a lack of sleep and nerves," she said.

Although judges weren't impressed by the group's performance, Hudson and two other group members continued on to the "showcase" round at the House of Blues -- where she was eliminated.

"It was much easier to handle when you had your friends there with you," said Hudson.

She added, "What everyone doesn't get to see is the family atmosphere. It's this crazy process and we go through it together."

After being cut from the singing competition series, many doors have opened for the local teenager.

"My schedule is so crazy," Hudson said.

Hudson was recently cast in an upcoming movie titled "Bogie and Bacall," a movie about Lauren Bacall and Humphrey Bogart's love story.

Hudson said her part is small and doesn't involve singing, but she is very excited to be a part of the film.

She said she has also received opportunities for modeling and collaborating with other artists, as well as offers from potential managers.

In addition, Hudson has been asked to speak at middle schools about anti-bullying -- a topic near to her heart as she was a victim of bulling while in middle school at another school district.

Hudson says these opportunities to speak to students is "so special" to her.

"That's what I needed. Someone to speak to me on my level," she said.

Hudson spoke at Pleasanton Middle School in February -- encouraging students to speak up when they see bullying, to consider why bullies do what they do and that all students can support each other to stop negative behavior. Her visit also included a performance and some time with students talking about her personal experience as a victim of bullying.

My husband and I were very impressed by your performance and excited to see a representative of Pleasanton! Great job! You are very talented and will go far in life. Follow your dreams! Congrats on the movie role!